Gemotions

"No." The coach’s single-word pronouncement reverberated in Emily's ears, a final, crushing blow. The court, once a vibrant arena of possibility, now felt oppressive, the air thick with disappointment. She dragged her feet toward the locker room, the weight of her equipment suddenly unbearable. Her limbs felt like they were filled with cement. Everything felt slower, muffled. Even the sounds of the bouncing basketballs seemed to fade into a hazy background hum. She longed to just lie down.